Shopping season kicks off Friday in Ravenna

By Diane Smith | Staff Writer Published: November 19, 2012 4:00 AM

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Santa may not be coming to town Friday, but an "elves workshop," horse and wagon rides, ice carving and shopping will be in abundance at Midnight Madness.

The event, as always, will be held on Black Friday in downtown Ravenna. Barb Burner, a member of the Ravenna Merchants Association and owner of the House of Holiday Ornaments on Main Street said she hopes the event puts merchants in the black.

The event will be held a week before the Balloon A-Fair Christmas Parade, which brings Santa Claus to town. The events had been combined in the past, but they are being held on separate nights, in keeping with long-standing tradition, in order to open the streets to on-street parking for customers.

For the first time, the M&M Railroad will be offering rides to visitors to the downtown. The railroad will set up in front of the Carita's Cafe at the corner of Main and Chestnut streets.

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Free horse and wagon rides will be provided between 7 and 9 p.m., with rides taking off from City Hall on Park Way.

The Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce will host an "Elves Workshop" from 6 to 8 p.m. at the chamber office. Children will have an opportunity to make gifts and take them home.

Most merchants will have extended hours, with some planning to stay open until midnight.

"Each store is planning to offer something special," Burner said. Her store will offer food from Siciliano's Pizza to guests.